SCM Microsystems Enters Physical Access Control Market

SCM plans to introduce a family of physical access control terminals. Heightened security awareness, particularly in the United States, is driving an increase in the use of smart card technology to strengthen the security of identity credentials, building access systems and computer/network access. Smart cards are ideal for this purpose because they are virtually impossible to counterfeit, can replace visual inspection with machine verification, communicate with computers and networks and support biometrics. Millions of smart ID cards are already in use, and the U.S. government is implementing major new smart card initiatives including a common identity credential for all U.S. federal employees and a similar ID for the 12 million plus U.S. transportation workers. To date SCM has shipped several million smart card readers worldwide to major enterprises, financial institutions and government agencies, including more than 1.5 million units through systems integration partners for the U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Card program. The company holds more than 80 relevant patents and participates actively in standards initiatives guiding the changes taking place in the physical access control market. The new product line will support the latest technologies adopted by the physical access control market including contact and contactless smart cards, and it will position companies for fingerprint biometrics going forward. SCM will market the terminals to both government and corporate customers through its existing channel partners, the top-tier OEMs and systems integrators serving the physical access control, smart card and security sectors.